Results matching “Australia”

The pool's been handing out invitations all week, the Aussie cricketers are in fine form and Kris' Virtual Meet is only 10 weeks away. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a few of these :

• Sleeping on the job
  A look at the benefits of power-napping in the workplace.
• Increasing water intake
  A few tips from Dr John Berardi.
• 7 keys to reactive agility
  Training tips for combat athletes from Scott Sonnon.
• Sit up straight...or don't
  A very interesting study on the optimum angle for sitting.
• Mike Robertson, Craig Ballantyne and Chad Waterbury interviewed
  All very interesting guys.
• The evolution of WSB training
  Rif takes us back to the beginning. Superb.

The pool's been handing out invitations all week, the Aussie cricketers are in fine form and Kris' Virtual Meet is only 10 weeks away. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a few of these :

• Sleeping on the job
  A look at the benefits of power-napping in the workplace.
• Increasing water intake
  A few tips from Dr John Berardi.
• 7 keys to reactive agility
  Training tips for combat athletes from Scott Sonnon.
• Sit up straight...or don't
  A very interesting study on the optimum angle for sitting.
• Mike Robertson, Craig Ballantyne and Chad Waterbury interviewed
  All very interesting guys.
• The evolution of WSB training
  Rif takes us back to the beginning. Superb.

MetroNaps pod.

Elastica, Car Song

Today's Sunday Life magazine (part of the Sun-Herald newspaper) has an interesting piece on power-napping - Sleeping on the job. This looks at the benefits of a 10-20 minute nap in the afternoon, as part of a regular work schedule.

According to the author Thea O'Connor, State Street Australia recently trialled pod-style napping (using pods such as the MetroNap) for a month; with a very positive response from staff. Of those that booked themselves in for a nap, 43% said that they felt 'good' afterwards and 21% felt 'excellent'. As great as these pods look (straight from 2001: A Space Odyssey), I can't help thinking that they're an expensive way of kicking your shoes off and lying down for 10-20 minutes. A nap can be a wonderful thing, regardless of your environment.

The article also mentions some interesting research currently being carried out by Professor Leon Lack at Adelaide's Flinders University. Prof. Lack has compared 5,10,20 and 30 minute naps - measuring such things as sleepiness, reaction time and cognitive performance immediately afterward. In many ways, the 10 minute nap seems to be the 'power-napping' champion.

A final word from media manager Harry M Miller, himself a regular napper.

Napping is a great idea. It's a kind of traffic control that slows down your brain.

At least for a while.

Further reading

Napping Project
Thea O'Connor

Self-confessed 'napping activist' Thea O'Connor is certainly helping to change the corporate mindset in many parts of the world. Through her writing, speeches and consultancy work, Thea is bringing the power of the nap one step closer to many.

Newspaper articles

Links to numerous articles by Professor Lack and others at Flinders University's School of Psychology, Sleep Research Laboratory.

'Let's go siesta / In your Ford Fiesta'

Elastica, Car Song

Today's Sunday Life magazine (part of the Sun-Herald newspaper) has an interesting piece on power-napping - Sleeping on the job. This looks at the benefits of a 10-20 minute nap in the afternoon, as part of a regular work schedule.

According to the author Thea O'Connor, State Street Australia recently trialled pod-style napping (using pods such as the MetroNap) for a month; with a very positive response from staff. Of those that booked themselves in for a nap, 43% said that they felt 'good' afterwards and 21% felt 'excellent'. As great as these pods look (straight from 2001: A Space Odyssey), I can't help thinking that they're an expensive way of kicking your shoes off and lying down for 10-20 minutes. A nap can be a wonderful thing, regardless of your environment.

The article also mentions some interesting research currently being carried out by Professor Leon Lack at Adelaide's Flinders University. Prof. Lack has compared 5,10,20 and 30 minute naps - measuring such things as sleepiness, reaction time and cognitive performance immediately afterward. In many ways, the 10 minute nap seems to be the 'power-napping' champion.

A final word from media manager Harry M Miller, himself a regular napper.

Napping is a great idea. It's a kind of traffic control that slows down your brain.

At least for a while.

Further reading

Napping Project
Thea O'Connor

Self-confessed 'napping activist' Thea O'Connor is certainly helping to change the corporate mindset in many parts of the world. Through her writing, speeches and consultancy work, Thea is bringing the power of the nap one step closer to many.

Newspaper articles

Links to numerous articles by Professor Lack and others at Flinders University's School of Psychology, Sleep Research Laboratory.

Thumbs up.

Toffe's Gym.
1. Under the Bar
   
   Although I've been building web sites for the past 9 years, it wasn't until I came across Kris Lindqvist's Under the Bar that I realised a fitness blog could be such a wonderful resource. Featuring over 3 years worth of workout logs, photos, videos and superb writing - as well as a beautiful outdoor gym - this is the definitive workout blog. If you haven't already seen it, head over there now.
   Grab the feed.



Mark Reifkind.
2. Rif's Blog
   
   Kettlebells, conditioning and martial arts. A good one.
   Grab the feed.




3. The Other Side of Strength
   
   Kettlebells, grip work, strongman training, powerlifting - a great mix.
   
   Grab the feed.




4. Muscle Ventures
   
   Muscle Ventures is a project started by Bud Gibson and Nancy Arnold, which is following their bodybuilding progress through various training regimes and competitions.
   

   Subscription (free) is available either from the site or within iTunes (a quick search for 'muscle' will track them down).
   
   Grab the feed.





5. Strength News
   
   Strength News is the online strength home of Iowa's Chris Dorr, photographer, budding strongman and regular podcaster. Well worth checking out.
   
   Grab the feed.




6. Lean and Hungry Fitness
   
   Jim Biancolo is a fitness enthusiast in every sense of the word. The title of one of his posts last year, Low-Tech, High-Effect (a link to a Ross Enamait video which itself is well worth downloading), neatly summarises his training philosphy.

   Definitely worth a read.
   
   Grab the feed.





7. Physical Strategies
   
   An eclectic fitness and health mix, courtesy Tom Furman. Very interesting.
   
   Grab the feed.




8. Diesel Crew blog
   
   If you're into strongman feats, amazing grip strength and great articles you're probably already familiar with the Diesel Crew. Take a wander over to their blog, pull up a chair and make yourself at home.
   
   Grab the feed.




9. Functional Path Training
   
   Take a wander over to Functional Path Training, the blog of renowned sports and conditioning coach Vern Gambetta. There's some fascinating stuff on there.
   
   Grab the feed.




10. Tales from the Milk Drinker
    
    Fredericton's Sam Arsenault is defenitely a powerlifter and strongman to keep an eye on. Although originally scheduled to be a helper at a recent Strongman contest in the nearby Acadian Festival, he was quickly inspired to try out a few of the events and enter the contest himself. That's enthusiasm.
    
    Grab the feed.




11. Run to Win
    
    If you enjoy running, you'll love this. Blaine Moore discusses everything from training to injury recovery. A great read.
    
    Grab the feed.




12. Stinn's workout blog
    
    This is a great workout journal, detailing Canadian powerlifter Ryan Stinn's increasing strength over the past 2 years. Videos and competition notes round out the picture. A very good read.
    Grab the feed




13. Blood and sweat
    
    This is very much a 'from the trenches' workout blog. Superb.
    
    Grab the feed.




14. Iron Sport
    
    The Iron Sport Gym is the home-away-from-home of Steve and Joe Pulcinella, as well as a number of local weightlifters and powerlifters. The blog - as well as the gym itself - is definitely worth a look.
    
    Grab the feed.




15. Ultimate Health and Conditioning
    
    As he says on the site:

    This site is about functional strength, balance, agility, endurance, nutrition and general health. I'm not following a specific agenda. I'm not anti-supplement, or anti-weights, or anti-anything. I don't give a shit how you get healthy and fit, just that you get there.

    Superb stuff. Well worth checking out.

    
    Grab the feed





16. Golf Fitness Boot Camp
    
    For those integrating golf and fitness, Brian's site BKS Golf is an excellent start. His blog, which follows the progress of the BKS Golf fitness bootcamps, is also a great read.
    
    Grab the feed




17. Neil McTeggart
    
    Check out the blog of Belfast personal trainer Neil McTeggart. As you can see from his training notes (bp:155kg sq: 180kg dl: 220kg) he knows what he's doing.
    
    Grab the feed




18. Harrow Drive
    
    Before the Australian cricket team makes amends for last season's less-than-inspiring performance, check out the blog of cricket coach David Hinchliffe - Harrow Drive. Whilst a Harrow Drive (also known as a French Cut, particularly in this part of the world) is something you usually want to avoid, the site isn't. Great stuff.
    Grab the feed




19. Powerlifting Watch
    
    Jon trawls the numerous powerlifting and bodybuilding forums so you don't have to. Powerlifting Watch presents the threads that contain references to current events in the powerlifting world, questions on all things related to training or competition, and a splash of humour. A great site.
    
    Grab the feed




20. MyoQuip blog
    
    MyoQuip are makers of the superb ScrumTruk. If you've ever watched a game of Rugby, you'll see how closely this replicates the action of a Scrum. If you've tried one of these, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Looks like a great bit of gear.

    
    Grab the feed

Quite a few fitness and strength blogs have passed this way over the past couple of years; here's a quick look at 20 of the best. Enjoy.

1. Under the Bar
   Although I've been building web sites for the past 9 years, it wasn't until I came across Kris Lindqvist's Under the Bar that I realised a fitness blog could be such a wonderful resource. Featuring over 3 years worth of workout logs, photos, videos and superb writing - as well as a beautiful outdoor gym - this is the definitive workout blog. If you haven't already seen it, head over there now.
   
   Grab the feed.



2. Rif's Blog
   Kettlebells, conditioning and martial arts. A good one.
   
   Grab the feed.


3. The Other Side of Strength
   Kettlebells, grip work, strongman training, powerlifting - a great mix.
   
   Grab the feed.



4. Muscle Ventures
   Muscle Ventures is a project started by Bud Gibson and Nancy Arnold, which is following their bodybuilding progress through various training regimes and competitions.
   Subscription (free) is available either from the site or within iTunes (a quick search for 'muscle' will track them down).
   
   Grab the feed.



5. Strength News
   Strength News is the online strength home of Iowa's Chris Dorr, photographer, budding strongman and regular podcaster. Well worth checking out.
   
   Grab the feed.



6. Lean and Hungry Fitness
   Jim Biancolo is a fitness enthusiast in every sense of the word. The title of one of his posts last year, Low-Tech, High-Effect (a link to a Ross Enamait video which itself is well worth downloading), neatly summarises his training philosphy. Definitely worth a read.
   
   Grab the feed.



7. Physical Strategies
   An eclectic fitness and health mix, courtesy Tom Furman. Very interesting.
   
   Grab the feed.



8. Diesel Crew blog
   If you're into strongman feats, amazing grip strength and great articles you're probably already familiar with the Diesel Crew. Take a wander over to their blog, pull up a chair and make yourself at home.
   
   Grab the feed.



9. Functional Path Training
   Take a wander over to Functional Path Training, the blog of renowned sports and conditioning coach Vern Gambetta. There's some fascinating stuff on there.
   
   Grab the feed.



10. Tales from the Milk Drinker
    Fredericton's Sam Arsenault is defenitely a powerlifter and strongman to keep an eye on. Although originally scheduled to be a helper at a recent Strongman contest in the nearby Acadian Festival, he was quickly inspired to try out a few of the events and enter the contest himself. That's enthusiasm.
    
    Grab the feed.



11. Run to Win
    If you enjoy running, you'll love this. Blaine Moore discusses everything from training to injury recovery. A great read.
    
    Grab the feed.



12. Stinn's workout blog
    This is a great workout journal, detailing Canadian powerlifter Ryan Stinn's increasing strength over the past 2 years. Videos and competition notes round out the picture. A very good read.
    Grab the feed



13. Blood and sweat
    This is very much a 'from the trenches' workout blog. Superb.
    
    Grab the feed.



14. Iron Sport
    The Iron Sport Gym is the home-away-from-home of Steve and Joe Pulcinella, as well as a number of local weightlifters and powerlifters. The blog - as well as the gym itself - is definitely worth a look.
    
    Grab the feed.



15. Ultimate Health and Conditioning
    As he says on the site:

    This site is about functional strength, balance, agility, endurance, nutrition and general health. I’m not following a specific agenda. I’m not anti-supplement, or anti-weights, or anti-anything. I don’t give a shit how you get healthy and fit, just that you get there.
    

    Superb stuff. Well worth checking out.

    
    Grab the feed



16. Golf Fitness Boot Camp
    For those integrating golf and fitness, Brian's site BKS Golf is an excellent start. His blog, which follows the progress of the BKS Golf fitness bootcamps, is also a great read.
    
    Grab the feed



17. Neil McTeggart
    Check out the blog of Belfast personal trainer Neil McTeggart. As you can see from his training notes (bp:155kg sq: 180kg dl: 220kg) he knows what he's doing.
    
    Grab the feed



18. Harrow Drive
    Before the Australian cricket team makes amends for last season's less-than-inspiring performance, check out the blog of cricket coach David Hinchliffe - Harrow Drive. Whilst a Harrow Drive (also known as a French Cut, particularly in this part of the world) is something you usually want to avoid, the site isn't. Great stuff.
    Grab the feed



19. Powerlifting Watch
    Jon trawls the numerous powerlifting and bodybuilding forums so you don't have to. Powerlifting Watch presents the threads that contain references to current events in the powerlifting world, questions on all things related to training or competition, and a splash of humour. A great site.
    
    Grab the feed



20. MyoQuip blog
    MyoQuip are makers of the superb ScrumTruk. If you've ever watched a game of Rugby, you'll see how closely this replicates the action of a Scrum. If you've tried one of these, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Looks like a great bit of gear.
    Grab the feed

It's a sunny Labour Day here, which means that nearly everything is closed and I finally had an opportunity to catch up with Eric Cressey's latest piece on T-Nation, 13 Tips for mighty elbows and wrists.

If you read Jim Wendler's recent article Casting your wrists you may recall the opening paragraph :

When I started using a bench shirt, I miraculously gained 150 lbs on my bench. No practice, no technique work, nothing. That is the magic of these cheater shirts--you automatically "get it." Anyway, with this increase in bar weight, my wrists were taking a beating and I needed some help. This is where I was bestowed with this knowledge, which I am now giving to you.

If that's a familiar feeling (suddenly asking your wrists to do a lot more work), Eric's article is definitely for you. It's far more wide-ranging than I'd anticipated, and the section on 'checking your workstation' was certainly food for thought. Heavy benching with chains and correct keyboard use in one article? Perfect.

It's a sunny Labour Day here, which means that nearly everything is closed and I finally had an opportunity to catch up with Eric Cressey's latest piece on T-Nation, 13 Tips for mighty elbows and wrists.

If you read Jim Wendler's recent article Casting your wrists you may recall the opening paragraph :

When I started using a bench shirt, I miraculously gained 150 lbs on my bench. No practice, no technique work, nothing. That is the magic of these cheater shirts—you automatically “get it.” Anyway, with this increase in bar weight, my wrists were taking a beating and I needed some help. This is where I was bestowed with this knowledge, which I am now giving to you.

If that's a familiar feeling (suddenly asking your wrists to do a lot more work), Eric's article is definitely for you. It's far more wide-ranging than I'd anticipated, and the section on 'checking your workstation' was certainly food for thought. Heavy benching with chains and correct keyboard use in one article? Perfect.

Formula 1 fans will already be familiar with Australian driver Mark Webber. Perhaps less well-known is the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a race through some breathtakingly beautiful Tasmanian Landscapes.

The Challenge is a 'six-day adventure race combining cross-country trekking, mountain biking, road cycling and kayaking', commencing November 5 2006. Proceeds from the event help the Victorian TLC For Kids and Cancer Council Tasmania's Cancer Plus programs.

Formula 1 fans will already be familiar with Australian driver Mark Webber. Perhaps less well-known is the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a race through some breathtakingly beautiful Tasmanian Landscapes.

The Challenge is a 'six-day adventure race combining cross-country trekking, mountain biking, road cycling and kayaking', commencing November 5 2006. Proceeds from the event help the Victorian TLC For Kids and Cancer Council Tasmania's Cancer Plus programs.